Underwood pursues federal funding to help MCC expand dual credit, degree programs

McHenry County College could receive $825,000 in federal dollars to expand its dual credit and dual degree program if legislation being considered in the U.S. House of Representatives moves forward.

The allocation is one of several education, health care and youth initiatives that U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Naperville, has requested funding for, according to a news release from her office.

An additional $60,000 would go to Woodstock-based Independence Health & Therapy, a nonprofit organization which offers physical therapy services, according to the release. The funding would be used to buy two electronic medical record database systems, one for the facility’s adult day program and another for its behavioral health program.

The adult day and memory care program is the only such program in McHenry County and seeks to promote independence and improve the quality of life for adults and their family, according to the release. The behavioral health program provides outpatient services, including traditional individual counseling, psychiatry services, preventative services and community supportive services.

At McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, the $825,000 cover additional graduate education for high school instructors, so that they’re qualified to teach college courses at their high school, making dual credit and dual degree programs available to many more students, according to the release. The funding also would be used to help cover the cost of college tuition, fees and course materials for students with demonstrated need.

The legislation that includes funding for these two projects is under consideration by the House Appropriations Committee, which if approved there, would advance to the full House of Representatives for consideration. The Senate and president would then also need to approve it.

“Investments in education, health care, and foster youth are absolutely critical to the well-being of our community,” Underwood said in a statement. “I’m pleased to announce that $1.5 million for crucial projects I’ve fought for in Yorkville, DeKalb, Woodstock, St. Charles and Crystal Lake has advanced in the House of Representatives. I’ll continue to push for federal investment in these projects and other key priorities to support Illinois students and improve the health of our families and communities.”